Purification and properties of the F sex factor TraD protein, an inner membrane conjugal transfer protein

Using a traD overexpression plasmid, we purified the F sex factor TraD protein in milligram quantities. The purified protein has an apparent molecular weight of 82,000 and an amino acid composition rich in acidic residues. Using specific antibodies, TraD was localized to the inner membrane of F+ cells under conditions where it is produced in physiologically normal amounts. Furthermore, the protein was soluble only in the presence of detergents, but there is evidence that the carboxyl terminus is water-soluble. The purified protein shows pH-sensitive binding to DNA cellulose columns.